February 4, 2005
For Immediate Release

News Release

Health Minister Announces Funding for CMHA Project to Support Families and Youth in Mental Health Services

VANCOUVER - The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, today announced funding of $385,825 to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division for a project that is designed to build partnerships, strengthen existing services, and create local pilot projects across the province for youth with mental health challenges and their families.

The CMHA shall select five pilot communities to be linked through a web-based information clearinghouse. The pilot sites will share best practices, tools and information from various communities, advisory committees, planning sessions and focus groups involved with support services for youth and families affected by mental illness.

The project seeks to stimulate dialogue between clients and services providers. It also aims to create a forum where youth with mental illness and their families can ensure their voices are heard in the creation of policies that support mental health.

"I'm delighted the government can play a role in empowering Canadian families and communities to cope more successfully with mental health problems," said Minister Dosanjh. "I share your hope that the multi-site pilot project will effectively increase peer support networks, enhance knowledge and resources, and serve as a model for other communities across the country."

Guided by a multi-sectoral steering committee, the Strengthening Family and Youth Voices: Supporting and Involving Families and Youth in Child and Youth Mental Health Services project will support five pilot communities to: develop and/or strengthen effective family and youth support networks; increase family and youth involvement with the mental health sector; create corresponding models and indicators of success; and monitor progress and disseminate information.

This CMHA project, developed after extensive local stakeholder consultation, is an excellent example of federal/provincial collaboration. It is expected to yield concrete recommendations for implementing a provincial Child and Youth Mental Health Plan. Findings from this multi-site pilot project will be disseminated to other parts of the province and across the country.

The CMHA is a national, non-profit, voluntary organization whose mission is the promotion of mental health for all Canadians. Incorporated in 1953, CMHA BC division carries out its mission through education, research, community development and advocacy through 20 branches throughout the province.

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Media Inquiries:

Aggie Adamcyzk
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189

Adèle Blanchard
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991